Checkpoints across Columbus County turned up stolen firearms, narcotics and open alcohol over the weekend
The sheriff’s office is participating in the ongoing Click or Ticket crackdown on impaired and aggressive drivers. Multiple agencies are focusing on extra patrols and enforcement through Sept. 11.
A Virginia man was arrested on drug, alcohol and weapons charges at a Peacock Road license checkpoint Sept. 2. Thomas Wayne Stech, 22, of North Dinwiddie, Va., was placed under a $5,000 bond after deputies allegedly found marijuana, cocaine, open containers of alcohol, and a stolen handgun in his vehicle.
On Sept. 3, another checking station turned up a variety of drugs and two suspects. Ashley Yanira Alvarado, 21, and Jeffrey Edwin Blanco, 21, of Silver Spring, Md., were held under $20,000 each, detention records show. Both were charged with felonious possession of cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and prescription drugs. Simple possession of cocaine and prescription drugs, and drug paraphernalia.
The sheriff’s office reported that deputies operating a checkpoint on Old Stake Road saw a marijuana cigarette in the center console when Blanco stopped. They also discovered a bag with white powder residue that tested positive for cocaine; and Sertaline, Oxycodone, Tramadol, and Alprazolam pills. Both suspects were charged since neither claimed the drugs.
A checkpoint on Delco Prosper Road produced an open container of alcohol and methamphetamines – and two wanted suspects.
Robin Carroll Spaulding, 44, of Wilshire Blvd., Wilmington, was held under $10,000 secured bond, charged with possession of meth, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver the drug, and paraphernalia. Daniel Ray Reynolds, 46, of Maco Road NE, Leland, was charged with possession of meth and a felony probation violation. His bond was set at $35,000. Christine Elizabeth McCardell, 40, of Grist Mill Wynd, Leland, was arrested for failure to appear, and placed under a $2,500 secured bond.
Reynolds was driving and McArdell and Spaulding passengers in the vehicle when it approached a checking station Sunday afternoon. The report said an open can of alcohol was readily visible. A search of the vehicle turned up meth in the passenger side glove compartment, and the passenger area. Meth, dextraphetamine and amphetamine pills were found in the rear passenger area.
